MACC urged to investigate two mega road projects in the state
KUCHING: The Malaysian Anti- Corruption Commission ( MACC) is urged to immediately investigate the cost of the proposed two mega road projects in the state.
State Pakatan Harapan ( PH) chairman Chong Chieng Jen urged the MACC to investigate before the letters of awards are to be issued.
He said the Coastal Road Project is estimated to cost RM5 billion and the Second Trunk Road Project RM6 billion, which would be funded by the state government.
“The proposed projects are now in the final stage of processing by the state Public Works Department ( PWD) and the letters of awards may be issued within one to two weeks.
“We urge that an investigation be carried out immediately. Based on the announcements made by the minister in- charge of the projects, it is obvious that the amount is over-priced,” said Chong who is also Stampin MP and state DAP chairman.
He also said there was no open tender for selection of the contractors by the state Public Works Department for both projects.
“With the change of the federal government after the last general election, the Ministry of Finance has directed that all mega government projects must go through open tender process.
Chong said although the directive might come from the federal government, such good practice ought to be emulated by the state government as well.
“This is especially so when it involves billions of ringgit of the people’s money, though we do not have the official details of the two projects,” he added.
Chong also said that the contract should be broken into smaller packages so that more contractors could also be involved.
At press time, Deputy Chief Minister who is also Minister of Infrastructure Development and Transportation Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Masing, Public Works Department (JKR) and MACC have not come back with their comments or actions to be taken following an official report made.
Among the issues raised with the relevant departments included clarification on the facts and figures given by Chong and confirmation by MACC to have received the letter and their next course of action.
The proposed projects are now in the final stage of processing by the state Public Works Department (PWD) and the letters of awards may be issued within one to two weeks. Chong Chieng Jen, State Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman